Nikola Jovic’s trade value falls amid recent struggles

How his stock dropped

Nikola Jovic, once considered one of Miami’s more intriguing young pieces, has seen his trade value take a noticeable hit around the league. Talk that once treated him as a useful sweetener in big deals has faded as teams grow increasingly wary of both his recent play and the contract that’s about to kick in.

There were whispers of Jovic being included in high-profile trade chatter earlier in his career, but more recent discussions have painted a different picture. In one reported negotiation between Miami and Dallas over Klay Thompson, Dallas reportedly asked Miami to include extra draft compensation just to take Jovic’s contract, a sign of how his perceived worth has shifted.

Why teams are hesitant

On the court, Jovic hasn’t shown the consistent production teams want. Last season he averaged roughly 7.3 points and 3.3 rebounds and struggled from deep, shooting only about 27% from three. That drop-off contrasts with stronger performances he’s had in other settings, which makes his NBA production feel unpredictable.

Financially, things complicate matters further. Jovic’s four-year, $62.4 million extension starts this coming season, and while that salary isn’t prohibitive by itself, it becomes riskier when his on-court output is below expectations. Teams weighing a trade have to consider the guaranteed money along with the uncertainty about whether his game will rebound.

Put together—an inconsistent stint in Miami, a shooting slump, and guaranteed money—these factors have turned Jovic from a promising trade asset into a player some teams view as a liability unless additional assets are included to balance the deal.

That said, he’s still only 22 and has physical tools scouts like: size, playmaking, and positional versatility. If he finds more consistent shooting and impact minutes, his market could recover. For now, though, the league appears cautious about taking a full bet on him.